Photoabrasion
Rejuvenation

The Scientific Stuff

Microdermabrasion and IPL have been used effectively and safely to treat a variety of cosmetic skin problems. Over the past few years, extensive clinical research has been conducted using microdermabrasion and IPL in the treatment of unwanted wrinkles, textural irregularities and skin blemishes.

The Good Stuff

Microdermabrasion or the 'Parisian Peel' employs tiny aluminum oxide crystals that pass across the skin to remove the outer, "dead layer" of skin called the Stratum Corneum. By removing this outer skin layer over several treatments, wrinkles, textural irregularities, pore size, acne scars and pigmentation blemishes can be smoothened, softened, faded and improved. The microdermabrasion process generally enhances the overall health and vitality of your skin.

Microdermabrasion is often performed in conjunction with IPL treatments. During the IPL treatments, pulsed light is directed at the skin. The light passes through the outer surface of the skin, called the epidermis and penetrates into the under-carpet of the skin known as the dermis. Once in the dermis, the pulsed light stimulates a cell called a fibroblast to produce your own new collagen. Over several treatments, this new collagen often smooths and softens the appearance of your winkles, pore size and textural irregularities. Using special filters to control the wavelength of pulsed light, sun-damaged skin with pigmentation abnormalities, vascular blemishes, such as spider veins and rosacea can be lightened and improved.

What You Need To Know

Microdermabrasion and IPL therapy may require between 3-6 treatments to achieve maximum aesthetic skin rejuvenation in each area.

Following microdermabrasion and/or IPL treatments, there may be a minor degree of redness and puffiness to the skin, with some tingling and/or discomfort that will usually disappear in a few hours. You may apply makeup immediately and return to work or regular activities. It is very rare for patients to develop bruising over the treated skin and, if this occurs, it is usually mild and fades over 1-10 days. Although there is no special skin care regimen necessary between treatments, it is highly recommended that you begin a comprehensive home skin care program to optimize and maintain the cosmetic improvements you obtained with your microdermabrasion and IPL therapy.

What I need to tell you

Microdermabrasion and IPL treatments are new proven high-tech skin care procedures. Published studies indicate that microdermabrasion and IPL treatments can improve the appearance of wrinkles, pore size, textural irregularities and vascular as well as pigmentation blemishes in over 80% of cases, with patients reporting a noticeable improvement in the cosmetic appearance of their skin at the completion of their program.

The best candidates for microdermabrasion and IPL therapies should not be significantly tanned at the time of the treatment. That means that you should allow your tan to fade for 2 weeks before treatment and avoid tanning for 3-4 weeks after, as the pigment will absorb some of the pulsed light and may cause a skin reaction. If you are using artificial tanning creams, allow these to fade for 2 weeks prior to beginning the treatment. See IPL Advice.

Although experience has proven microdermabrasion and IPL treatments to be very safe and effective, there are some uncommon risks that you must consider before proceeding with treatment. You should balance these rare risks with potential benefits of less discoloured, blemished-reduced and wrinkle diminished skin.

To ensure the best results and reduce any possible complications from this treatment it is important that you follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your cosmetic practitioner.